Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel According to reports coming out of New England, quarterback Matt Cassel has decided to accept the Patriots' non-exclusive franchise tender. This gives Cassel a guaranteed salary of about $14.6 million for 2009.

This move means that Cassel would not become a free-agent on February 29th and he will not be permitted to shop himself to other teams. Although, the Patriots could still trade Cassel.

Cassel started 15 games in 2008, subbing for reigning MVP Tom Brady, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season opener. Cassel led the Pats to an 11-5 record and finished the season eighth in the NFL is passing yardage.

Cassel backed up a pair of Heisman Trophy winners in Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC and then sat behind
Pro Bowler Tom Brady for three years before getting his chance to play. Due to Brady's season-ending knee injury in week one, Cassel was thrust into the starting role in New England.

Cassel enjoyed a breakout season in 2008 after Brady went down. The 2005 seventh-round pick threw for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions in 16 games.

"Matt has been a pleasure to coach his entire career and last season in particular, when his years of hard work and commitment resulted in a most impressive performance," said Pats coach Bill Belichick. "We look forward to working with Matt again in 2009."

The question in New England now is whether or not the Patriots will now try to trade their 14 million dollar man or will he just be a very expensive insurance policy for Tom Brady in 2009.